Week 2 of the NIU Baseball Podcast, where Head Coach Ed Mathey and Assistant Media Relations Director Matt Scheerer discuss all things NIU Baseball. This week, Mathey reviews the Huskies trip to Arizona and shares his thoughts on the series with Minnesota.

The NIU Baseball Podcast returns in 2014 for its second season, talking all things NIU baseball with Head Coach Ed Mathey and assistant media relations director Matt Scheerer. Join Ed and Matt as they discuss the upcoming series with Minnesota, preview the 2014 team and some of the happenings in the program.

The first ever fall update from Head Coach Ed Mathey on the NIU Baseball Podcast.

2014 SEASON (SOPHOMORE): Made 10 appearances with 12.1 innings of work Hurled a season-high 2.2 innings at Camelback Ranch versus Minnesota, surrendering zero runs with two hits and strikeout (Feb. 15) Fanned a season-high two batters in 1.1 innings at New Mexico (Feb. 21) and fanned two more in the season finale versus Ball State (May 17) Combined for 1.2 innings in a four game set at No. 5 Oregon State, allowing only one hit (March 7-8) Pitched back-to-back shutout efforts, 1.2 innings, versus UW-Milwaukee (April 9) and at Western Michigan (April 25) Recorded a scoreless 1.0 inning outing versus Bowling Green (March 30) Helped NIU pitching staff to MAC best 2.93 earned run average in conference play

2013 SEASON (FRESHMAN): Made 17 appearances on the mound, with all but one coming in relief Also played in the outfield on occasion Had a sterling debut, striking out a pair of Red Raiders in a scorless inning at Texas Tech (Feb. 15) Didn't give up a run in his first three outings (Feb. 15-23) Walked one but stranded that runner in a shutout inning at Belmont (March 15) Struck out three in two innings of work versus Bradley (April 16) Hurled a scoreless frame at Iowa (April 24) Had a day at Bradley, throwing two scoreless innings on the mound and provided a pair of singles at the plate (April 30) Got his first start at UW-Milwaukee, throwing 4.1 scoreless, one-hit innings in a no-decision (May 14)

HERSCHER HIGH SCHOOL: Played baseball, football and basketball at Herscher High School Shared school's top offensive player award with twin brother, Jordan, junior year Twice named to The Daily Journal's All Area team (first team in 2011) All-Interstate 8 Conference Hit 15 home runs and 52 runs batted in junior year Recorded a 7-2 record on the mound, 68 strikeouts and a 2.15 earned run average in 2011 Hit .395 as a sophomore, with nine doubles and six home runs Won conference, regional and sectional championships in sophomore and junior seasons Team was 31-5 in his junior year.

PERSONAL/MISCELLANEOUS: Son of Jay and Kim Ruckman Twin brother, Jordan, also member of the NIU Baseball Recruiting Class of 2012 Honor roll student last three years Member of Students Against Destructive Decisions Volunteered with Salvation Army and Family Fun-a-Thon Undecided on major Lists Albert Pujols as his favorite athlete because he's great to watch and learn from Advanced to the Great Lakes Regional of the Little League World Series in 2005, appearing on ESPN Claimed state championship with Limestone Little League that year